The #2PencilChat is a weekly conversation about educational technology. As we enter a more student-centered age, let's talk about using all the tools in our toolboxes to be innovative and dynamic teachers.
Welcome to the #2PencilChat! Tonight we're talking about solving the problems that spring up in the lives of educators (and probably everyone...everyone has problems, right?) Say hey, and introduce yourself!
A1: Stop, calm down, think it out. Figure out what I need to fix the problem and then start doing whatever my plan is to fix it. Also complaining about it while I fix it.
#2pencilchat
A2: Twitter chats, Google, I ask Ss what they want and how they learn best. I usually know the answer already, but interesting to hear what they say. We sometimes go with an off-the-wall idea and its great. #2PencilChat
A2: my go to is always... “what if we could...” that’s usually what I ask before I try to figure out how to do whatever it is we “could” do haha #2PencilChat
A1: research... try to see if someone’s gone through it, how what things did they do that did/didn’t work... sometimes though I just brainstorm and try the most promising choice #2PencilChat
A3: I use the standardized test released items to help me figure out different ways to approach the same types of questions without boring the Ss to tears #2PencilChat
A3: I tend to think about something for a bit while it forms in my mind- the limit causes me to create it- some may call this procrastination- but I see it as part of the creative process. #2pencilchat
A3: If I have to follow school curriculum, I will pull in the tech to help make it fresh. I have created "trunks" of "artifacts" to help teach history units. They may not be real "artifacts", but they are hands-on and gives the Ss the visuals they need. #2PencilChat
A3 Also, I think that we should try not to be such perfectionists. What's better? To stall because our ideas aren't perfect yet or move forward with good enough being enough. #2PencilChat
A4: We are lucky to have a curriculum director this year. She is brilliant and always has ideas if I have stalled. You need to find someone who can help you brainstorm and regain the creativity. #2PencilChat
A4: I have key go-to people within my school. Each with a different area of expertise - student behavior, assessment, curriculum, or just venting #2pencilchat
A4: I turn to music. I sing/rap (horribly/loudly) on my long car ride home. I allow myself the reprieve from the problem and meet it with a fresh set of eyes the next morning. It’s amazing how answers come to you when you stop thinking about the problem itself... #2PencilChat
A5: we model it, provide opportunities for working through problems WITHOUT the pressure attached to it... show the fun and relevance of problem-solving #2PencilChat
A5: I announce "I am taking a risk, trying something new, this lesson might fail, but oh well gotta try". The students always let me know afterwards whether it was a hit or miss. #Modeling#2pencilchat
A5: It has to be modeled. They have to see Ts, other Ss, who can solve problems and keep going even in difficult situations. All of my Ss have to come up with goals they want to accomplish. They create a plan & timeline. I am there for support and encouragement. #2PencilChat
A5: By being the calm. When a teacher is stressed, the whole class feels it. Be mindful and students will experience its benefit. Make kids wonder, “What does my teacher have that I don’t? How does he/she do it?” #2PencilChat
@MagicPantsJones Q3: Must think in and out of box. Our creativity matters, we know that. Sticking too close in that box limits our imagination. #2PencilChat
Hello there, Rebecca Lynn! A3: Setting limits, taking time, often not procrastination, but smart thinking to get that job done, don't you think? #2PencilChat
I am helping put a Career day together for end-of-school. I am getting with grads from our HS recent and not-so, to come and discuss their careers with the Ss. Also college Ss to speak about what is needed for college. These people were in Ss shoes at one time. #2PencilChat
@nathan_stevens A5: Ts are human. Ss understand & are empathetic when given opportunity to do so. They "read us" & know how we are feeling, maybe more than we think. #2PencilChat
That's a tough one. Get your support outside where you can, and be quietly consistent for the people in your school who need you as a beacon. #2PencilChat
Yes, but it seems like a lot of Ts fear a loss of control by that admission of error... we don’t trust the Ss enough to give them the chance #2PencilChat
A6: I am trying to create, or steal, a curriculum for my alted world history Ss. It has to be self-paced. This has been a challenge to create in 36 lessons per semester. #2PencilChat
@MagicPantsJones Problems, what? Oh yes, everyone has challenges. Ts do a great job showing up every day, even during crisis time, but how we act, what we say & do has a profound effect on Ss. #2PencilChat
Welcome to the #2PencilChat! Tonight we're talking about solving the problems that spring up in the lives of educators (and probably everyone...everyone has problems, right?) Say hey, and introduce yourself!
Thanks to @fadedwords and @jswartzwoman this sticker is going to be conspicuously placed on my computer :) so in every meeting it has to be looked at :) #2PencilChat
In reply to
@MagicPantsJones, @fadedwords, @jswartzwoman
I love you SO MUCH, #2PencilChat Pals! Thank you for solving the world's problems with us tonight! Join us next week, as we talk about how to navigate Thanksgiving dinner without erupting into political arguments!
